Senior Machine Learning and Java Engineer

ABOUT USAt DataEQ, we turn unstructured customer and public feedback into powerful, actionable insights! By combining cutting-edge AI with our unique human data labelling platform, we help some of South Africa’s top companies—like major banks, retailers, and insurers improve customer experiences, manage risk, and streamline digital services. Our innovative solutions make a real difference in industries that matter.When you join DataEQ, you become part of a dynamic and diverse team of over 50 talented professionals, including data enthusiasts, analysts, and problem-solvers. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where creativity and fresh ideas are encouraged. With our clients ranging from leading banks to major retail brands, your work here will directly impact businesses and customers alike.If you’re passionate about data, excited by the prospect of solving complex challenges, and eager to grow in a fun, fast-paced environment, DataEQ is the perfect place for you. Join us in shaping the future of customer insights while building meaningful relationships with both clients and colleagues!ABOUT THE JOBWe are looking for a senior machine learning and java engineer to join our development team. You'll work on building and improving our AI systems that process and analyse real-time data streams from various sources including social media, traditional media, and customer feedback channels.The role involves developing and maintaining machine learning models that work alongside our crowdsourcing platform to provide intelligent data analysis and insights to our clients. You'll be working with real-time data processing, building scalable ML solutions, and implementing efficient data storage and retrieval systems. These are mostly simple classification tasks.Our tech stack includes:Java and Spring Boot for backend services (this is our main software stack, and you will be doing non-ML work)PostgreSQL for data storageModern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js)Python for some portions of our ML stackWHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR Strong experience in machine learning and AI systems Solid backend development experience with Java Someone who can run tests and maintain codeExperience with LLM promptingExperience delivering projects from idea to productionA curious, always learning personalityStrong communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teamsProblem-solving skills and proactive attitudeRegarding AI and ML: we are looking for a domain expert but not a domain owner. Other members of our team will be working on ML and ML-adjacent projects, and you yourself will sometimes be working on non-ML projects. We have a culture that encourages curiosity, innovation and freedom, but calls for intellect, emotional intelligence, and performance.This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining DataEQ as we build out our unique data capabilities in SA and abroad.Those with unusual career paths or career changes are encouraged to apply — if you believe your skills can help us accelerate our global growth, we want to hear from you.WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH USIf you join our team, DataEQ will support you at work and at play. We have a dynamic and inclusive company culture and we hire people who put their smarts and hearts into everything they do. We are a fully remote company where you will have the flexibility to manage your own time because we focus on outcomes over inputs. Whilst our team is located around the world, the bulk of our team is based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Should you be located in one of these cities and you enjoy interpersonal connection, we do offer various opportunities to interact in-person.Our Jozi and Cape Town colleagues can enjoy our “Together Tuesdays” where we get together in a coworking space to enjoy the social engagement a few of us need. We also have monthly drinks to encourage less task-oriented discussions and more connection.In addition to our flexible and remote working culture which we LOVE, we have many more reasons why you should join our team:A collaborative and nurturing company environmentGenerous annual leaveRegular company status meetings to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same purposeLong-term service compensation after 5 years and 10 yearsFully remote work environment with access to co-working spaceA birthday lie-inA solid work from home setup, which includes a contribution towards your WIFI expensesCompulsory Pension Fund and Group LifeOptional Medical Aid Personal development budgetRegular team socialsNOTE TO APPLICANTSWe appreciate every application we receive and try to give each due consideration. We do receive many though, so please be patient in hearing back from us, and consider that your application has been unsuccessful should you not hear back from us within 14 days of applying. To help us respond faster, please read the requirements carefully and ensure your application contains the details we need